Healthcare patients, especially children, may be at risk from the use of medical devices made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic, which contain DEHP. Known as a reproductive toxin, DEHP causes birth defects and infertility in animal studies. Because DEHP does not bind to the PVC matrix, it can leach out of the medical device into the liquid transferred to the patients body. Despite the fact that non-PVC medical devices are readily available on the market, many hospitals are still using PVC medical devices that leach DEHP.

This brochure, jointly produced by Health Care Without Harm and EPHA Environment Network aims to showcase how several hospitals and health care facilities across Europe have already taken the necessary steps to eliminate PVC use in medical devices.

Examples of good practice include the Vienna Hospital Association Phase Out Policy on PVC, the Stockholm County Council PVC Elimination Policy, the Aarhus County PVC-free database, and the Na Homolce Hospital (Czech Republic).